By 1812Blockhouse; TourismOhio release
To celebrate National Ice Cream Month, TourismOhio is inviting Ohioans to grab a cone, bowl, or treat at one of the more than 50 stops along the newly expanded Ohio Ice Cream Trail.
While there are no stops in Richland County, there are a handful within easy driving distance which we review below.
“When Fran and I travel the state with our kids and grandkids, we will go out of our way for locally made ice cream because it’s something you simply won’t get anywhere else,” said Governor DeWine. “We’ve been going to Young’s Jersey Dairy near our home in Greene County since we were teenagers, and it certainly one of our favorites, but no matter what ice cream shop you visit along the trail, it’s going to be delicious.”
The Ohio Ice Cream Trail highlights family-owned shops and nationally recognized chains. The trail is available online and for download as a printable version at Ohio.org.
“The Ohio Ice Cream Trail is a fun and unique way to explore the state and support our communities,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development which oversees the TourismOhio office. “The Trail truly shows that we’re the heart of it all, bringing together our state’s rich agricultural heritage, culinary culture, manufacturing innovation, and support for small businesses.”
The Ohio Ice Cream Trail first launched in 2018 with 15 stops. In 2019, TourismOhio added an additional five stops were added from the results of a reader survey. Responding to growing popularity, the trail was expanded this year to include 54 stops.
The 34 additional stops highlight the wide variety of options available to travelers wishing to indulge no matter where they are in the state. TourismOhio partnered with local and county convention and visitors bureaus to ensure all of Ohio’s geographic regions—from big cities to charming towns—were represented. Shops serving Made-in-Ohio ice cream and those with a significant, longstanding economic presence were given priority.
“Wherever your Ohio adventure leads, a scoop of Made in Ohio ice cream is the ultimate cherry on top of an unforgettable summer,” said state tourism director Sarah Wickham. “Our goal in expanding the Ohio Ice Cream Trail was to highlight the vast diversity of Ohio’s ice cream offerings. Collaborating with our local partners allowed us to have the inside scoop on the hometown favorites from across the state. So, grab a cone and let the good times (and scoops) roll. In fact, make it two scoops – you’ve earned it!”
Ranking 11th in the nation for milk production, Ohio is home to more than 1,400 dairy farms and 250,00 dairy cows. Annually, Ohio produces nearly 650 million gallons of milk.
“Ohio’s dairy farmers provide us with the highest quality of products which is the foundation of a great scoop,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge. “When you order a scoop at one of our incredible ice cream shops, know that you’ll be tasting the freshest products Ohio has to offer, and at the same time you’re supporting local family farms.”
Travelers can get a spoonful of history at Weber’s Premium Vintage Ice Cream in Fairview Park, which makes their ice cream with the last pair of Continuous Commercial Ice Cream Machines known to exist. Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream in St. Clairsville serves cones and dishes by the ounce rather than the scoop. Jubie’s in Fairborn serves up flavors like Blueberry Muffin, Cotton Candy, and superhero-inspired treats. From elevated traditional flavors to out-of-this-world concoctions, there’s something for everyone on the Ohio Ice Cream Trail.
An Ohio Ice Cream staple, Velvet Ice Cream has appeared on every Ohio Ice Cream Trail since the inception in 2018.
“We are incredibly excited and honored to be a part of Ohio’s Ice Cream Trail. Ye Olde Mill is a cherished part of our history being our home since 1960, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the state to our historic grounds to experience our rich heritage and delicious ice cream,” said Luconda, Joanne, and Joe Dager, fourth generation owners and operators of Velvet Ice Cream in Utica, Ohio.
Richland Countians do not need to travel far to sample some of these summer goodies. Stops within an easy drive include:
Jer-Zee Drive-In • Marion
A true community staple celebrating 75 years. Try the Tally Ho Sandwiches and JZ Bars.
Round Hill Dairy • Mount Vernon
High quality ice cream and service. You’re up for a challenge if you order the 6-scoop Cow Trough sundae.
Hartzler Family Dairy’s Ice Cream Shoppe • Wooster
This is as close (and as safe) as you can get from cow to ice cream. Try over 50 flavors of hand-scooped goodness.
Mark’s Homemade Ice Cream • Bucyrus
Mark creates every batch of premium ice cream himself. Visit the shop or book one of the trucks in northwest Ohio.
Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe • Tiffin
Home of the Monster Shake. You will not want to miss this family owned delight with each flavor scooped with care.
Check out the Ohio Ice Cream Trail and other Summer in Ohio adventures at Ohio.org/Summer.
